"Special Delivery of Love"

“And above all things have fervent love for one another, for love will cover a multitude of sins.” 
​1 Peter 4:8
 
Dear Friends,
 
            A couple of weeks ago, most of us in one way or another celebrated Valentine’s Day.  This particular day we share tokens of love with friends, family and significant others.  Over the years I have received many valentines – some of those were from my husband, others that were handmade by Chelsea and others from friends.  Of course, all of Chelsea’s hand-made valentines made their way into the “Save Box” to be cherished.
 
            I loved the hand-drawn hearts glued to doilies as frames and of course, all those XOXO’s at the bottom of the cards.  And then, there are those love notes given to me by my husband – even thinking about them brings a smile to my face.  Yet, I believe the most significant expression of their love for me comes by the way of their continued forgiveness for areas in which I have fallen short.  “It’s O.K. Mom, I know you tried to make it,” “I forgive you Honey, I know you had a stressful day.”  It’s in those gestures that I am reminded of Christ’s continued love and forgiveness to me.
 
            But, one of the most impactful statements Chelsea ever made to me was “Mama, listen to me with your eyes.” What Chelsea (and many others) want and need is to be listened to. One of the greatest gifts we can give one another is a listening ear (with your eyes) of one’s hurt, pain or just about their day. This life lesson from a 3-year-old continues to ring true in my life 26 years later.
 
            Valentine’s Day comes and goes, but try to remember there was a beautiful valentine that was sent to you by “Special Delivery.” “For God so loved the world that He gave his only Son, that whoever believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16”
 
            Please remember, you are loved and appreciated by God and by City Impact.
 
In His love,
Betty Alvarez Ham
President

P.S. Support us when you shop at smile.amazon.com/ch/77-0388915 for gifts and more and Amazon donates to City Impact.

City Impact’s 25th Anniversary is coming in 2020 watch for celebration updates!